Crash deaths of 2 teen boys ruled homicide

January 13, 2006

A Lake County coroner's jury ruled Thursday that the deaths of two teenagers in a November car crash were homicides, but no charges have been filed.

Lt. John Jansky of the Lake County Sheriff's Department testified during an inquest that the Pontiac Trans Am in which five teens were riding Nov. 13 was traveling about 55 m.p.h. when it went over railroad tracks near Mundelein. The car hit a tree at 44 to 49 m.p.h. at Diamond Lake Road and Rose Avenue, he said.

Jason Gembra, 16, and Israel "Izzy" Bueno, 16, both of Mundelein, died in the crash. They were in the back seat and neither wore a seat belt, Jansky said.

Two other teens in the car were injured and treated.

The driver had marijuana in his system and had used it about 24 hours before the crash, Jansky said.

"Our conclusion is [the driver] was operating his vehicle in a reckless manner and while under the influence of cannabis," Jansky said.

Assistant State's Atty. Matthew Chancey said he will decide by next week whether to file charges.